RHOSDDU residents angry at plans to rehouse teenagers from a children's home in the area held a demonstration to coincide with a visit to the property by Wrexham Council's Executive.

Rhosddu and Garden Village Wrexham Action Group is concerned about possible repercussions if the plan to movefour teenagers from their current home, Cherry Hill, in Borras, into the house in New Road goes ahead.

A spokeswoman for the Action Group, who did not wish to be named, said: 'We are pleased with the response, it was nice and measured with no aggravation or nastiness.

'All we want is for them to listen to us. We feel we are the silent majority, we pay our taxes and quietly get on with life.'

She added: 'The house they are proposing is ugly and highly visible, there's no space around it and it's on a busy road. They are planning to put children in there who deserve privacy and security. ' But, in addition to fears about the unsuitability of the property, residents admit to feeling anxious about living near youngsters who could have emotional problems.

The spokeswoman added: 'These young people are troubled but the council insists it's no different from any family moving into the house.

'Well I'm sorry, but it is. A normal family means allegiance, loyalty and respect - something that's missing from these children after they have been through a long process of care.'

The spokeswoman, who says she has experience of social care in a professional capacity, said: 'Through my experience I can say this isn't a therapeutic environment and that's what they need.'

A number of other members of the group also say they have a background in social work or working with children, and stress that while they are aware of the need for the service Spurgeon Child Care is providing on behalf of the council, they will continue to fight the plan.

Another resident said: 'Our main concern is the property's location - it's in a dangerous place.

'The council cleaned up before the visit, but there were still needles left by drug addicts.

'By the house there's a telephone box which is already a gathering point for youngsters and often gets vandalised.'

A council spokeswoman said: 'The visit followed the executive board's meeting on February 3 at which members considered a report from the Social Services' chief officer, Andrew Figiel, regarding the proposed transfer of the residential child care service at Cherry Hill to Ty Mynydd, New Road, Rhosddu.

'They agreed a site visit would be appropriate. Members looked at the property, including its location, but no decision has been taken yet. A report will now be prepared and go before the Executive for consideration in May. The proposal will require formal plan-ning consent and cannot be progressed without it.'